University of Maryland Feature

·University Newsdesk

FROM CAMPER TO TERP TO MEN'S BASKETBALL MANAGER

Billy Vernon grew up loving Maryland Basketball.

His feelings only grew stronger when, as a high school freshman, he attended his first Gary Williams Basketball Camp. He knew from that first day of camp—that he wanted to come to Maryland and, in any way he could, become a part of the basketball program.

Many memories from his time as a camper have stayed with Billy throughout his life. Winning both the free throw award and the 3-on-3 championship. Playing on the same Cole Field House court as his Terrapin heroes. Byron Mouton, a member of the 2002 NCAA Championship team, coaching him from the sidelines. (Various Terp players are on hand during the camp each year to give campers encouragement.)

But, two memories really stand out for him. Every day after camp, Billy would sit in the stands and watch the current Maryland players play a pick-up game. He still remembers what a "huge thrill" it was watching Steve Blake, Steve Francis, and Juan Dixon show off their considerable skills. And, after camp was over, Billy was able to tell Coach Williams how much he wanted to become a basketball coach. "He told me to just keep playing and learning the game. He was very approachable and enthusiastic about me wanting to be a coach," Billy remembers.

Billy Vernon, now a University of Maryland senior majoring in history, played basketball for a year at Roanoke College, then transferred to Maryland with hopes of becoming a team manager. When no manager positions were available when he arrived at Maryland, he spent two years helping out the freshman basketball team at DeMatha High School in Hyattsville, which "fueled my desire even more to be a coach."

Billy's dream came true last fall, when he was hired as a student manager for the Maryland Men's Basketball team. He will continue as manager as a graduate student next year.

As a manager Billy listens to and learns from Coach Williams, whom he describes as a "detail-oriented coach with a truly contagious passion for the game." Billy takes stats, assists with drills, helps with equipment, and sits in on film sessions. He describes being a manager as the "next best thing to playing for Coach Williams."

Billy credits his experience at Gary Williams Basketball Camp for furthering his love of Terrapin basketball. Of all the things he has learned so far in his life, one thing he heard at the basketball camp will remain with him forever. Coach Williams, a future Hall of Fame coach, "emphasized the dedication that was necessary to be a great player and stressed how important it was to always compete and respect the game." Being a player at the Gary Williams Basketball Camp had a huge impact on Billy. It led to his playing collegiate basketball, coaching at DeMatha, and finally becoming a manager for Maryland Men's Basketball.

What's next for Billy? Stay tuned!

Click here for information about Coach Gary Williams Basketball Camp.

—Alex Freeman
Student Intern, Maryland Men's Basketball